Nissan Micra Active XL review

In a surprise move, the Japanese automaker Nissan has introduced the low cost version of its flagship hatchback, Nissan Micra in the country. This low cost model series is called as Nissan Micra Active. Launched in a total of four variants, the all new Nissan Micra Active price starts at just Rs. 3.50 lakh (ex-showroom price, New Delhi). This hatchback is introduced to the Indian auto market as a surprise package with an irresistible price tag. With this, the company will looks to improve its market share in the coming years. This will allow the company to target those individuals and families, who look for affordable hatch for their city driving purpose. This new hatch comes with the same body design and exteriors that are extracted from the previous Nissan Micra model. Presently, it is made available with just petrol engine option while there is no word regarding introducing the diesel version as yet. There are overall four variants available in this series out of which, Nissan Micra Active XL is the next in line variant to the base version. This new hatch will compete with the likes of Chevrolet Beat, Ford Figo, Hyundai i10, Maruti Wagon R and others in this segment. This hatch is blessed with a 1.2-litre petrol engine under the hood. The company claims that this new version is the most fuel efficient in the class with an ability to return 19.49 Kmpl of superior mileage.

Exteriors:

When it comes to the exterior design and appearance of this hatch, it comes with a body design, which is much identical to the outgoing Nissan Micra. The company has introduced this hatch with design cues that are extracted from outgoing model. If you just take a close look at the design of this hatch, you will notice that the design of the headlight cluster is round in shape with more detailing aspects. It is further incorporated with turn indicators. There is a perforated radiator grille just above the body colored bumper while the bumper has got a sporty and aggressive cues with a large air dam integrated. The company logo is placed on top of the hood just above the radiator grille. Its side profile remains simple with black colored external rear view mirrors and door handles while the expressive lines brings a decent style to its side profile. The rear end design of this Nissan Micra Active XL is also much identical to the outgoing hatch, with same headlight cluster and same curvy design bumper. The only major change you can expect is its front bumper and its headlights with more detailing aspects. The company is offering this low cost hatch in about six color shades such as Aqua Green, Brick Red, Blade Silver, Onyx Black, Storm White and Turquoise Blue.

Interiors:

When it comes to the interior design of the new Nissan Micra Active XL trim, it is the blessed with a plush and stylish cabin with a lot of space inside. This is an ideal hatch for families containing 5 members as it can provide seating arrangement for at least five passengers. Also the seats are wide, which ensures better comfort inside. There are some of the sophisticated features offered inside this hatch which include manual air conditioner with four AC vents on the black colored dashboard with controls on central console, driver side door with power button switches, rich quality fabric upholstery, stylish dashboard with good looking instrument cluster, leather wrapped gear shift knob and others. This new model from the fleet of Nissan India has stunned the auto segment with its huge space inside. It comes with a great headroom, legroom and shoulder room space that assures luxury. On the other hand, it gets a dual toned interior cabin which makes the environment plush and a little sportier. Also there is a huge luggage space at the rear with a capacity of 241 litres, which is good enough.

Engine and Performance:

The Nissan Micra Active is undoubtedly one of the hatchbacks, you must consider buying. It is a surprise package from Nissan and it is aimed towards budget buyers. This new hatch is blessed with a DOHC based petrol engine, which will also power the rest of its variants. This mid range trim is offered with a 1.2-litre, 12-Valve, 3-Cylinder, petrol engine which has the displacement capacity of about 1198cc. This superior engine integrated with DOHC valve configuration has the ability to produce a maximum 67.1bhp at 5000rpm and makes yields 104Nm of maximum torque output at 4000rpm. It comes with front wheel drive system and it will derive the engine power through the five speed manual transmission gearbox. On the other hand, its transmission will enhance its fuel efficiency and helps this mid range version to produce 19.49 Kmpl, which is amazing.

Braking and Handling:

The all new Nissan Micra Active XL mid range variant in the line up comes with conventional braking and handling system. This mid range trim is designed with ventilated disc brakes incorporated to its front wheels while the high performance drum brakes are fitted to the rear wheels. Its body sits on rigid axle with the support of McPherson strut type fitted on the front axle and Torsion beam type on the rear axle. Its electric power assisted steering system will further provide better control over the hatch by responding immediately.

Safety Features:

The company's surprise package Nissan Micra Active XL mid range trim is blessed by some decent set of safety features that assures better security to the passenger and to this hatch. It comes with a list of safety features that include key remove warning indicator, engine immobilizer system, low fuel level warning indicator, headlight on warning indicator, central door locking system, speed sensing auto door locking system, follow me home lamps and several others.

Comfort Features:

This Nissan Micra Active XL mid level variant is bestowed with a set of exciting comfort features that include manually adjustable air conditioner, electric power assisted steering, tilt steering, front four AC vents on the dashboard , semi drive computer system, remote key less entry, 12V power outlet, assist grip, adjustable rear headrest and some others.

Pros: Attractive appearance, good engine performance, attractive pricing.Cons: More features can be added, interior design is not up to the mark.

Nissan Micra Active in news

We covered the two days national finale of the Nissan PlayStation GT Academy India held at Jaipur; a Nissan’s initiative to find an aspiring virtual gamer to become a race driver to compete worldwide, they say good gamers can become good racer and they say with the #GamerToPro. Nissan introduced the GT Academy at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo, with qualifying rounds at five major cities, namely, Delhi (NCR), Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Chennai. Nissan encountered over 5000 entries for the Indian GT Academy. Read Full News

Nissan will unleash the GT-R and go head-to-head with Audi, Porsche and Toyota at Le Mans in 2015. The Japanese manufacturer will also contest the 2015 FIA World Endurance Championship with a full factory effort of two LM P1 cars. Nissan’s LM P1 car will be called the Nissan GT-R LM NISMO, carrying on a sporting bloodline that stretches back 30 years and recognizes the company’s flagship road car, the Nissan GT-R. Read Full News